Convocation Center - Ohio Bobcats
- Jude Hannahs
- Feb 4
- 5 min read
Photos by Jude Hannahs, Stadium Journey
Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 4.43
Convocation Center 95 Richland Ave Athens, OH 45701
Year Opened: 1968
Capacity: 13,080
“OU…OH YEAH!”
As someone who, at the time of writing this article, will eventually graduate from Ohio University in May 2026 and become a Bobcat for life, I am eternally grateful to have had the opportunity to watch OU athletics in the Convocation Center.
OU's athletic department is still listed as a member of the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) Division I. It has been a part of the division for nearly 80 years, dating back to 1946, when it also became a charter member of the Mid-American Conference (MAC).
OU as a college and its placement in Athens, Ohio, is what makes the existence of the Convocation Center so special. Based on my experience and the experiences of others, “the Convo” evokes the same feeling and environment as a National Basketball Association (NBA) team of some kind.
To put it simply, it’s an awesome place to watch players battle on the court, and come commencement season, it's a perfect space to join hand-in-hand with classmates and receive a degree each graduate has worked hard for and finally earned.
The Convo is a staple of not only OU, but the city of Athens in general. It’s an arena that truly captures what makes watching sports—whether it be men’s or women’s basketball, volleyball, and wrestling—such a spectacular setting to be in at the moment.
Food & Beverage 4
Whether the Bobcats are going in the right or wrong direction, fans and visitors will likely need some type of food and/or beverage to quench their hunger and/or thirst. Thankfully, concession stands provided at the Convo offer a nice variety of options to choose.
For any average game, the food and drinks are what anyone would expect. However, there are occasions where local restaurants in Athens will have their own stand and give out food and beverages to paying customers.
In my experience, I remember coming across a stand that was selling food from Mr. Hibachi Japanese Grill and Sushi, and the best part is that it was free! Moments like that can elevate any customer’s mood, and it’s something worth considering when thinking about going to the Convo.
Atmosphere 5
Easily the best aspect in terms of this review is the atmosphere at the Convo. The Convo exhibits the same feeling as going to an NBA game would. Whenever a MAC rival is in town, say the Miami (Ohio) RedHawks, the atmosphere becomes ten times better than what it already was.
That’s when the Convo is at the peak of its power. Specific athletic events, fall and winter commencement, Bobcat Student Orientation (BSO), etc., all are held at the Convo, and all are likely to be core memories for Bobcats of old, of now, and of the future.
Adding to the atmosphere is a center-hung videoboard above center court. The four-sided display measures 11'x21' along the sides, 9'x14' on the end lines.
Neighborhood 5
Driving north alongside the Hocking River toward Athens on Richland Avenue, one eventually will see the Convo emerge from the trees on the left-hand side. Whether or not the overall climate is pleasant, the sight of the Convo and how large it is will get the attention of just about anyone.
Whoever decided to place it and Peden Stadium as close as they are to each other, and in the location they reside in, was a genius. These are two of the biggest facilities on OU’s campus, and for them to essentially greet whoever is coming into town is incredible, to say the least.
Fans 3
This is where things get a little tricky. The best fanbases are the ones that will stick with a team no matter if they’re performing well or not. Sadly, in my experience watching basketball games, volleyball matches, and wrestling dual meets, whenever the Bobcats aren’t at their peak, the fans tend not be invested.
Of course, this isn’t exclusive to just OU, but it is something worth pointing out. However, when the athletes on the court wearing Bobcat uniforms are in the zone, then that’s the cue for the fans to get in it as well.
For men’s basketball games, the Ohio University Marching 110 (also known as “The Most Exciting Band In The Land”) performs, and they bring the energy to a whole other level.
Access 4
One of the best aspects about OU is that most of the facilities are within walking distance of where students live in dormitories and off-campus housing. So, students can easily walk from wherever they are living to the Convo and attend whatever game they’re attending.
The Convo does provide many areas for parking around the building itself, and additional space in Peden Stadium lot can be used as a backup.
There are times when an overflow of fans and visitors may occur, so finding parking elsewhere is definitely a challenge, as finding an open spot is essentially finding buried treasure in Athens.
Return on Investment 5
Another perk about OU’s athletic department is that enrolled students get free access to watching any sporting event at the Convo. For non-students, ticket prices vary depending on the sport.
For men’s basketball, online prices range from $10 to $20. For women’s basketball, that price lowers to between $5 and $15. Volleyball and wrestling are typically between $5 and $10.
Walk-in ticket prices can range between $15 and $25 for men’s basketball, $10 and $20 for women’s basketball, and around $10 for both volleyball and wrestling. The cost of tickets in some cases may seem high, but those are often for seats closer to the court.
Extras 5
One thing many people may be unaware of in terms of the Convo is that it is also a place where students can live during an academic year. It contains built-in dormitories, which house mainly student-athletes, ROTC students, and engineering students.
During its early existence, it was nicknamed “the big thermostat” for its distinctive round, domed shape. It was originally going to be named the “Fred Beasley Center” after a local benefactor pledged $1 million. But that pledge fell through, and it was named simply the Convocation Center.
Before it was primarily used for athletics, the Convo hosted musical legends of the late 1960s and 1970s, including performances by Led Zeppelin in 1969 and a sold-out showing of Simon and Garfunkel.
For surrounding high schools, the Convo also serves as a host for the Ohio High School Athletic Association (OHSAA) Regional Tournaments. It contains a sentimental value for younger athletes that goes beyond collegiate sports.
Final Thoughts
The Convocation Center is really something to behold. It may not be the absolute best of the best in terms of arenas, but it does hold a charm in Southeast Ohio, unlike most other facilities. I’m proud to have witnessed some fantastic games in it, and once my time comes to graduate, I’ll be glad to have walked on its floors one final time.
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